A different way of drawing the gladius

[brennivs - tony drake]

Yes it can be done, but the first question is why you would. Drawing your weapon right or left, you need to do it from behind your shield in a safe environment. If i saw a elbow or any body part go beyond the shield then a easy target to hit with from my weapon a Falx Also space, in tight quaters shield to shield the only space you have is from your shoulder to the front of the shield. Then the money you spent on a silvered scabbard you have it on show not behind you. There is only one depiction of a soldier with a horizontal Pugio and that is at the front. Also no mention in historical text of this being done by Roman or Foreign writer.I have quickly tried with my Gladivs and I can see to many problems if I was to carrying it behind my back, bad enough going through doors with it by my side